Lawsuit File Against BWC Challenging Group Discounts. Click here to read the Toledo Blade's coverage of this story.

BWC Board of Directors Approves 5% Rate Reduction to become effective July 1, 2008.

Click link to read the BWC's press release.

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Names Marsha Ryan Administrator.

On March 20, 2007 , Governor Ted Strickland named Marsha Ryan, a utility executive and Toledo native, as the Bureau’s Administrator . Ms. Ryan replaces Acting Administrator Tina Kielmeyer and will start in this position May 1, 2007. Click the here to read the Toledo Blade's coverage of this event.

New Ohio Trust Code Becomes Effective January 1, 2007.

On January 1, 2007 , House Bill 416 became effective, establishing the new Ohio Trust Code (OTC), which is based on the Uniform Trust Code. The new Trust Code can be found in the Ohio Revised Code at R.C. § 5801 et seq. The OTC applies to all irrevocable trusts in existence after January 1, 2007 , all new trusts established after January 1, 2007, and all inter vivos trusts becoming irrevocable after January 1, 2007 . The new Ohio Trust Code changes Ohio law regarding the creation, modification, and termination of trusts; beneficiaries' rights under irrevocable trusts; requirements for trust administration; and the powers, duties and liabilities of trustees. The Code also creates a defined set of default and mandatory rules that generally apply to all inter vivos ("living") trusts. For more information regarding the application of the Ohio Trust Code, please contact us at 419-244-6788 or jwetli@bugbee-conkle.com.

Ohio Supreme Court Ratifies Industrial Commission’s Resolution On The Unauthorized Practice Of Law.

On December 6, 2006, the Ohio Supreme Court found that neither CompManagement, Inc. nor its representatives engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in activities before the Industrial Commission of Ohio. In so holding, the Court upheld the validity of Industrial Commission Resolution R04-1-01, which enumerates permissible conduct by nonlawyers engaging in business with the Commission. A synopsis of the law and its effect can be found in the Legal Update section of this website. For specific questions regarding the law and its application, please contact us at 419-244-6788 or gdenny@bugbee-conkle.com.

Ohio Increases The State Minimum Wage To $6.85 Per Hour Effective January 1, 2007

On Nov. 7, 2006, Ohio voters passed Issue, thereby raising the minimum wage to $6.85 per hour. The new law also encompasses record keeping and disclosure provisions affecting Ohio employers. A synopsis of the law and its effect can be found in the Legal Update section of this website. For specific questions regarding the law and its application, please contact us at 419-244-6788 or twilhelms@bugbee-conkle.com.

Ohio Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect December 7, 2006
On Nov. 7, 2006, Ohio voters passed Issue 5, thereby enacting legislation in Ohio prohibiting smoking in “public places” and “places of employment.” The new smoking law went into effect December 7, 2006. A synopsis of the law and its effect can be found in the Legal Update section of this website. For specific questions regarding the law and its application, please contact us at 419-244-6788 or twilhelms@bugbee-conkle.com.